Wales international Callum Sheedy and Cardiff back-rower and former Wales U20s international Alun Lawrence have both taken up roles with Chew Valley RFC, who compete in Regional 1 South West, the fifth tier of the English rugby pyramid.<\/p>\n
The appointments were announced by the club in a social media post as they launched a recruitment drive ahead of pre-season, which begins on June 30.<\/p>\n
Chew Valley confirmed that Lawrence will serve as head coach, while Sheedy has been named backs coach. Ash Groves has also joined the setup as player-coach.<\/p>\n
The club posted: \u201cLooking for a new club for the 2026\/27 season? Whether you\u2019re returning to rugby, moving clubs, or giving the game a go for the first time, there\u2019s a place for you at Chew Valley RFC.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis season our senior men\u2019s teams will be led by: Alun Lawrence – Head Coach, Callum Sheedy – Backs Coach, Ash Groves \u2013 our new Player Coach.\u201d<\/p>\n
The move sees fly-half Sheedy continue to strengthen his coaching credentials while still playing professionally for Cardiff Rugby.<\/p>\n
The 30-year-old returned to his hometown club in 2024 after spending a decade with Bristol Bears, where he became a fan favourite and made more than 150 appearances.<\/p>\n
Lawrence, meanwhile, returned to Cardiff from Jersey Reds in 2023 and has become a familiar figure in the Welsh capital\u2019s back row.<\/p>\n
The coaching appointments continue a growing trend of current Welsh professional players taking on roles in the community game.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Wales fly-half Sam Costelow was named as a coach at Pencoed RFC, where he is set to work alongside former Wales star Gavin Henson.<\/p>\n
Content cannot be displayed without consentMulder lands new long-term Cardiff deal<\/p>\n
Cardiff Rugby scrum-half Johan Mulder has signed a new long-term contract to remain at the Arms Park.<\/p>\n
The South African has enjoyed an impressive spell in the Welsh capital since arriving ahead of the 2024\/25 season and has quickly become a fan favourite with his combative style and attacking spark.<\/p>\n
Mulder has made 33 appearances and scored four tries in Blue and Black colours, while his performances have seen him establish fierce competition with Aled Davies and Ellis Bevan for the No.9 jersey.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old says life in Cardiff has exceeded expectations and admits he now views the city as a second home. Win free tickets to watch Fiji v Wales in Cardiff this summer<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m delighted to extend my stay with Cardiff,\u201d said Mulder. \u201cI\u2019ve loved my time here so far and feel really settled at the club and in the city.<\/p>\n \u201cTo be part of Cardiff during the club\u2019s 150th year is really special, and I\u2019m excited about what this group can achieve together over the next season.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m also looking forward to continuing my own growth and development as a player.\u201d<\/p>\n Mulder came through the system in Pretoria and previously spent time with the Blue Bulls, Griquas and the Lions before making the move north.<\/p>\n It was his prolific form for Griquas, where he scored nine tries in 20 appearances, that first alerted Cardiff to his potential.<\/p>\n Cardiff forwards coach Corniel van Zyl believes Mulder still has significant room for growth and says the scrum-half is central to the region\u2019s ambitions moving forward.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are really excited that Johan Mulder is staying on at Cardiff,\u201d said Van Zyl.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s come a long way in finishing up his second season here, moving from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere and adjusting his game.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s worked really hard at it and has been a great asset for us. He forms a big part in what we want to showcase on the pitch in fighting for the jersey and growing our brand of rugby.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a tough player, he defends well and is obviously very good at the breakdown defensively.<\/p>\n \u201cHis speed in attack, kicking game and controlling the players around him is what he is known for.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to seeing what the next level of his game looks like and what the future holds for him.\u201d<\/p>\n Mulder\u2019s contract extension comes as Cardiff prepare for Saturday\u2019s United Rugby Championship quarter-final against the Stormers in Cape Town.<\/p>\n Wales Rugby VIP hospitality tickets<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> Prices vary<\/p>\n Seat Unique<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_Wales-Women-v-Women-Barbarians.jpg\"\/)
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